Discovering Central Vietnam: Hue

Although Hue is the intellectual, cultural and spiritual heart of Vietnam (according to Lonely Planet), we welcomed the change in pace from hectic Hanoi. Let's just say the motorbikes seemed to slow down a bit when nearing pedestrians crossing the street. The weather also changed and we found ourselves in tank tops and skirts. The time here was spent at the market, Citadel and royal tombs diving further into past and present life in Vietnam.

Moto and pedestrian bridge connecting the south and north banks of the city which are separated by the Perfume River.  There are 3 bridges that connect the two sides each made by various countries who occupied the area at one time- France, USA, Vietnam.

Dang Bo Market- One of the largest we came across of all the cities we visited.  Negotiating the price of the clementines.

The food at the market is brought in fresh each day.  We often saw ladies butchering cows, pigs, chickens.

Flour.

Inside the Citadel, Outside the Imperial Enclosure.  An area bombed heavily during the 'American War'.  Only 10% of the area remained intact.  Most all we saw was reconstruction.

Dragons-symbol for the emperor.

Lilies outside the resting home of the Queen Mother.

We chose to visit 1/3 royal tombs on the tour.  This one is labeled the most 'amazing' tomb which belongs to emperor Khai Dinh set on top of a hill.

The ceiling outside the tomb room.

We ended the day with a relaxing ride on a dragon boat down the Perfume River with a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda.